U.S. patent application number 10/530662 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-02 for frame comprising an electrifying device.
Invention is credited to Ralf Dahmer, Marc Hartel, Jorg Kreiling, Sven Laurosch.
Application Number | 20060044766 10/530662 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32031499 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060044766 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hartel; Marc ; et
al. |
March 2, 2006 |
Frame comprising an electrifying device
Abstract
A frame support for a rack or a switchgear cabinet, having an
electrification arrangement combined with at least one frame leg or
profiled mounting element for supplying and/or removing electrical
current to or from devices which can be connected with the frame
support. Simple and definite electrical connecting possibilities
for electrical devices are accomplished with the electrification
arrangement having at least one separate electrification strip
attached to a frame leg or profiled mounting element which is
formed by a hollow profiled receiving element and is at least
partially open on a long side and in at least one hollow space of
the profiled receiving element contact rails or connection lines
are installed in a manner protected against electric shock. Inserts
are provided, which are inserted or can be inserted into the
electrification strip and have plug receivers protected against
electric shock for device plugs of the devices to be connected, as
well as contact elements which are or can be brought into
electrical contact with the contact rails.
Inventors: |
Hartel; Marc; (Reiskirchen,
DE) ; Laurosch; Sven; (Haiger, DE) ; Dahmer;
Ralf; (Olpe, DE) ; Kreiling; Jorg; (Biebertal,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pauley Petersen & Erickson
2800 West Higgins Road
Suite 365
Hoffman Estates
IL
60195
US
|
Family ID: |
32031499 |
Appl. No.: |
10/530662 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
February 19, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP04/01567 |
371 Date: |
April 6, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/724 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02B 1/306 20130101;
H02B 1/20 20130101; H02B 1/013 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/724 |
International
Class: |
H05K 5/00 20060101
H05K005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 27, 2003 |
DE |
10308389.8 |
Feb 27, 2003 |
DE |
20318511.0 |
Claims
1. In a frame support for a rack or a switchgear cabinet, having an
electrification arrangement combined with at least one frame leg
(2, 3) or profiled mounting element (4), for at least one of
supplying and removing electrical current one of to and from
connectible devices, the frame support comprising: the
electrification arrangement having at least one separate
electrification strip (60) attached to one of a frame leg (2, 3)
and a profiled mounting element (4) formed by a hollow profiled
receiving element (6) at least partially open on a long side and
having at least one hollow space in which one of contact rails (10)
and connection lines (16) are installed and protected against
electric shock; and inserts (7) insertable into the electrification
strip (60) and having plug receivers protected against electric
shock for device plugs of devices to be connected, and contact
elements (7.11) electrically contactable with the one of the
contact rails (10) and the connecting lines (16).
2. The frame support in accordance with claim 1, wherein a profiled
insulating element (9), in which the contact rails (10) are
embedded and are accessible in a manner protected against electric
shock through access openings (9.23) formed in the profiled
insulating element (9), is inserted into at least one hollow space
(6.3, 6.3') of the profiled receiving element (6).
3. The frame support in accordance with claim 2, wherein the at
least one hollow space (6.3) is one of rectangular and square in
cross section and has a base wall (6.2) located opposite the open
longitudinal side adjoined by lateral walls (6.1), a bottom (9.3)
of a bottom section of the profiled insulated element (9) in which
the contact rails (10) are embedded faces one of the base wall
(6.2) and a lateral wall (6.1), and the contact rails (10) are
contactable with the contact elements (7.11) via access openings
(9.23), which are narrow for electric shock protection and cut into
the bottom section of a side located opposite a bottom side.
4. The flame support in accordance with claim 3, wherein the
insulated profiled element (9) is fixed in place in the profiled
receiving element (6) by snap-in structures (9.21, 9.22, 9.22') and
complementary counter snap-in structures (6.11, 6.11') arranged in
the profiled receiving element (6).
5. The flame support in accordance with claim 4, wherein the
snap-in structures (9.21, 9.22, 9.22') and the counter snap-in
structures (6.11, 6.11') have steep snap-in flanks opposite an
insertion direction, for preventing removal of the profiled
insulating element (9).
6. The flame support in accordance with claim 5, wherein the
profiled insulating element (9) is assembled from a profiled base
insulating part (9.1) that receives the contact rails (10) in
longitudinal chambers and insulates them from each other, and a
profiled top insulating part (9.2) covering the contact rails (10)
and having access openings (9.23).
7. The frame support in accordance with claim 6, wherein the access
openings (9.23) of each of the inserts (7) are formed by a group of
at least two hole-shaped access opening assigned to separate
contact rails (10).
8. The frame support in accordance with claim 7, wherein at least
two access openings (9.23) are offset from each other in the
longitudinal direction of the profiled insulating element (9).
9. The frame support in accordance with claim 8, wherein the
contact elements are contact pins (7.11) matched in size and
position to the access openings (9.23).
10. The frame support in accordance with claim 9, wherein the
inserts (7) have snap-in elements (7.14, 7.14') to prevent removal
from one of the profiled receiving element (6) and the counter
snap-in elements (6.12, 9.4) formed on the profiled insulating
element (9) except by using a tool or an actuating element (7.13)
which releases a snapped-in connection.
11. The frame support in accordance with claim 10, wherein one of
at least three contact rails (10) are embedded in the profiled
insulating element (9) and three connecting lines (16) form at
least two separate current supply circuits.
12. The frame support in accordance with claim 11, wherein a number
of the inserts (7) used is distributable over different current
supply circuits.
13. The frame support in accordance with claim 12, wherein a
dimension of the inserts (7) in the longitudinal direction of the
electrification strip (60) is one of a unit of height and a
whole-number multiple of the unit of height, and the inserts (7)
receive at least one appliance plug.
14. The frame support in accordance with claim 13, wherein the
profiled receiving element (6) has on at least one longitudinal
side fastening elements for connection with one of at least one
frame leg (2, 3) and a profiled mounting element (4, 5).
15. The frame support in accordance with claim 14, wherein the
fastening elements each is one of a screw, a clip, a snap-in
element, a plug and a clamping connection.
16. The frame support in accordance with claim 15, wherein the
profiled receiving element (6) is H-shaped in a cross section
formed by two lateral walls (6.1) and a center wall (6.4), and the
inserts (7) are placed into the hollow space (6.3) on a side of the
center wall (6.4) facing the user and one of the contact rails (10)
and the connecting lines (16) are placed into the hollow space
(6.3') facing away from the user and are accessible through the
center wall (6.4).
17. The frame support in accordance with claim 16, wherein cutouts
are in the center wall (5.4), into which plug-in couplings (11) are
inserted and protected against electric shock, which are accessible
from the user side, and at least one plug unit is matched to the
plug-in couplings (11) arranged on the back of the inserts (7)
facing away from the user.
18. The frame support in accordance with claim 17, wherein two
plug-in couplings (11) per insert (7) are spaced apart from each
other in the longitudinal direction of the profiled receiving
element and are connected to different current supply arrangements
(7.4, 7.5), and backs of the inserts (7) for selecting one of the
two current supply arrangements (7.4, 7.5) is insertable into the
profiled receiving element (6) rotated by 180.degree. and can be
connected with the respective plug-in coupling (11).
19. The frame support in accordance with claim 18, wherein the
inserts (7) are modular housings with cap-like closure pieces (7.3)
which, from one of the adjoining narrow sides are placed on ends
remote from each other in the longitudinal direction, on sides of
which the snap-in elements (7.14) are formed of one piece with
releasable resilient snap-in fingers and actuating elements
(7.13).
20. The frame support in accordance with claim 19, wherein an
overload release device is integrated into the inserts.
21. The frame support in accordance with claim 20, wherein at least
one electric shock protected current feed-in coupling (12) for the
current supply is arranged in an end section of the profiled
receiving element (6), and a current feed-in plug (13) is matched
to the current feed-in coupling (12) and has a connected current
supply cable (14).
22. The frame support in accordance with claim 21, wherein the
current feed-in coupling (12) is embodied on or in a feed-in module
(15), and a line element for voltage conversion or adaptation, a
current limiting device and/or a switching element for the
sequential activation of individual inserts (7) is integrated into
the feed-in module (15).
23. The frame support in accordance with claim 1, used for an
electrification arrangement for the rack or a switchgear
cabinet.
24. The frame support in accordance with claim 23, wherein the
current feed-in coupling (12) is embodied on or in a feed-in module
(15), and a line element for voltage conversion or adaptation, a
current limiting device and/or a switching element for the
sequential activation of individual inserts (7) is integrated into
the feed-in module (15).
25. The frame support in accordance with claim 2, wherein the
insulated profiled element (9) is fixed in place in the profiled
receiving element (6) by snap-in structures (9.21, 9.22, 9.22') and
complementary counter snap-in structures (6.11, 6.11') arranged in
the profiled receiving element (6).
26. The frame support in accordance with claim 2, wherein the
profiled insulating element (9) is assembled from a profiled base
insulating part (9.1) that receives the contact rails (10) in
longitudinal chambers and insulates them from each other, and a
profiled top insulating part (9.2) covering the contact rails (10)
and having access openings (9.23).
27. The frame support in accordance with claim 2, wherein the
access openings (9.23) of each of the inserts (7) are formed by a
group of at least two hole-shaped access openings assigned to
separate contact rails (10).
28. The frame support in accordance with claim 2, wherein the
contact elements are contact pins (7.11) matched in size and
position to the access openings (9.23).
29. The frame support in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
inserts (7) have snap-in elements (7.14, 7.14') to prevent removal
from one of the profiled receiving element (6) and the counter
snap-in elements (6.12, 9.4) formed on the profiled insulating
element (9) except by using a tool or an actuating element (7.13)
which releases a snapped-in connection.
30. The frame support in accordance with claim 1, wherein one of at
least three contact rails (10) are embedded in the profiled
insulating element (9) and three connecting lines (16) form at
least two separate current supply circuits.
31. The frame support in accordance with claim 1, wherein a
dimension of the inserts (7) in the longitudinal direction of the
electrification strip (60) is one of a unit of height and a
whole-number multiple of the unit of height, and the inserts (7)
receive at least one appliance plug.
32. The frame support in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
profiled receiving element (6) has on at least one longitudinal
side fastening elements for connection with one of at least one
frame leg (2, 3) and a profiled mounting element (4, 5).
33. The frame support in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
profiled receiving element (6) is H-shaped in a cross section
formed by two lateral walls (6.1) and a center wall (6.4), and the
inserts (7) are placed into the hollow space (6.3) on a side of the
center wall (6.4) facing the user and one of the contact rails (10)
and the connecting lines (16) are placed into the hollow space
(6.3') facing away from the user and are accessible through the
center wall (6.4).
34. The frame support in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
inserts (7) are modular housings with cap-like closure pieces (7.3)
which, from one of the adjoining narrow sides are placed on ends
remote from each other in the longitudinal direction, on sides of
which the snap-in elements (7.14) are formed of one piece with
releasable resilient snap-in fingers and actuating elements
(7.13).
35. The frame support in accordance with claim 1, wherein an
overload release device is integrated into the inserts.
36. The frame support in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least
one electric shock protected current feed-in coupling (12) for the
current supply is arranged in an end section of the profiled
receiving element (6), and a current feed-in plug (13) is matched
to the current feed-in coupling (12) and has a connected current
supply cable (14).
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a frame support for a rack or a
switchgear cabinet, having an electrification arrangement, which is
combined with at least one frame leg or profiled mounting element,
for supplying and/or removing electrical current to or from devices
which can be connected with the frame support.
[0003] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0004] A frame support is taught by German Patent Reference DE 37
06 797 A1. In this known frame support, hollow vertical supports
and hollow horizontal supports, which are connected by extension
channels with the frame support and have an identical profile cross
section as the vertical supports, wherein hollow spaces of the
vertical supports and horizontal supports provide as much cable
guidance space as possible for conducting electrical cables placed
in them. On the other hand, with frame supports for switchgear
cabinets, racks or workplace systems with table structures used in
connection with information technology in particular, it is helpful
to keep the frame legs of the smallest possible size, but with the
greatest amount of stability and, in connection with a switchgear
cabinet, for example, to utilize the interior for installing
devices in an as unlimited as possible way.
[0005] As German Patent Reference DE 40 13 370 A1 shows, in the
field of electrical installation technology cable conduits exist,
which have a cover, in which contact rails are conducted, which are
embedded in the linear direction in an insulating material.
Installed devices, which can contact with the installation rails,
are snapped onto the arrangement.
[0006] Various frame supports for switchgear cabinets, i.e. inter
alia also cabinets for information technology apparatus, are shown
in German Patent References DE 33 44 598 A1, DE 44 39 551 A and DE
196 47 814 A1, wherein in view of simple varied assembly options
the frame legs, as well as the line-up or sealing, are
optimized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One object of this invention is to provide a frame support
of the type above but which, along with the least possible cost
outlay, offers improved installation options for devices to be
supplied with electricity, and to disclose an electrification
arrangement which is easy to integrate into a frame support.
[0008] This object is achieved with an electrification arrangement
having at least one separate electrification strip attached to a
frame leg or profiled mounting element which is formed by a hollow
profiled receiving element at least partially open on a long side
and in whose at least one hollow space contact rails or connection
lines are installed in a manner protected against electric shock.
Inserts are provided, which are inserted or can be inserted into
the electrification strip and have plug receivers protected against
electric shock for device plugs of the devices to be connected, as
well as contact elements, which are or can be brought into
electrical contact with the contact rails or connecting lines.
[0009] With such a design of the electrification arrangement,
easily accessible, defined connecting options for the electrical
devices received in or on the frame support exist without elaborate
cable conduits, wherein the electrification strip can also easily
be retrofitted and prefitted with inserts suitable for the
requirements of the user. For example, the electrification strip
can also be attached to the inside of a door arranged on the frame.
The exchange of the electrification strip with one of different
fittings is possible in a simple and cost-effective manner. Because
a central component of the electrification arrangement is
predetermined and adheres to the protection requirements, an
inappropriate electrical installation and overloading of
current-conducting elements is prevented.
[0010] In one embodiment a profiled insulating element, in which
the contact rails are embedded and are accessible in a manner
protected against electric shock through access openings formed in
the profiled insulating element, is inserted into at least one
hollow space of the profiled receiving element.
[0011] Simple operation and measures for protecting users are
achieved if the hollow space is shaped rectangular or square in
cross section and has a base wall located opposite the open
longitudinal side, which is adjoined by lateral walls, and the
bottom of a bottom section of the profiled insulated element in
which the contact rails are embedded faces the base wall or a
lateral wall. The contact rails can be brought into contact with
the contact elements via access openings, which are kept narrow for
electric shock protection and are cut into the bottom section of
the side located opposite the bottom side.
[0012] Steps also contribute to a construction which is
advantageous for manufacture, wherein the insulated profiled
element is fixed in place in the profiled receiving element by
snap-in structures arranged on it and complementary counter snap-in
structures arranged in the profiled receiving element.
[0013] Steps for preventing inappropriate use are advantageous,
wherein the snap-in structures and the counter snap-in structures
have steep snap-in flanks opposite the insertion direction, so that
the profiled insulating element cannot be removed without being
destroyed.
[0014] Assembly and a secure structure are achieved when the
profiled insulating element is assembled from a profiled base
insulating part, which receives the contact rails in longitudinal
chambers and insulates them from each other, and a profiled top
insulating part, which covers the contact rails and has access
openings.
[0015] Dependable electric shock protection and a definite
arrangement of the inserts are achieved if the access openings of
each insert are formed by a group of at least two hole-shaped
access openings, which are assigned to separate contact rails.
[0016] A definite arrangement of the inserts is enhanced if at
least two access openings are offset from each other in the
longitudinal direction of the profiled insulating element.
[0017] Steps can be advantageous for contacting and the shape of
the inserts, wherein the contact elements are designed as contact
pins matched in size and position to the access openings.
[0018] Those steps contribute to simple assembly, wherein the
inserts have snap-in elements, by which they can be fixed in place
so they cannot be removed from the profiled receiving element or
the counter snap-in elements formed on the profiled insulating
element without being destroyed, or can only be removed by using a
tool.
[0019] If at least three contact rails are embedded in the profiled
insulating element, by which at least two separate current supply
circuits are formed, it is simple to change, for example, from a
standard current supply by the power lines to an interruption-proof
power supply, when the standard current supply fails.
Alternatively, the separate supply circuits can also be used for
avoiding an overload if the number of the inserts used is
distributed over the different current supply circuits. For
example, a contact rail located in the center can be embodied as
the ground rail and can also be designed stronger in comparison to
the contact rails located laterally next to it, or can be arranged
at a higher level or a lower level. For example, with the contact
rails assigned to the three phases, it is possible to form three
standard current supply circuits with the central ground rail.
[0020] In one embodiment, for the use of standardized built-in
devices, the dimension of the inserts in the longitudinal direction
of the electrification strip is a unit of height or a whole-number
multiple thereof, and the inserts are designed for receiving one or
several appliance plugs.
[0021] A simple and unequivocal assembly wherein, for example, the
pattern of the frame legs in relation to a pattern or marking of
the electrification strip can be used, if the profiled receiving
element has on at least one longitudinal side fastening elements
for connection with at least one frame leg or profiled mounting
element. In one embodiment it is possible for the fastening
elements to be embodied for a screw, clip, snap-in, plug or
clamping connection.
[0022] The frame support can be arranged so that the profiled
receiving element is H-shaped in cross section with two lateral
walls and a center wall, and the inserts are placed into the hollow
space on a side of the center wall facing the user, while the
contact rails or the connecting lines are placed into the hollow
space facing away from the user and are accessible through the
center wall.
[0023] The steps, cutouts in the center wall, have plug-in
couplings inserted and protected against electric shock, which are
accessible from the user side. At least one plug unit matched to
the plug-in couplings is arranged on the back of the inserts facing
away from the user, and contributes to a simple mounting with a
definite arrangement.
[0024] The simple use of different current supply arrangements is
achieved if two plug-in couplings per insert, which are spaced
apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the profiled
receiving element, are provided and are connected to different
current supply arrangements. The backs of the inserts for selecting
one of the two current supply arrangements can be inserted into the
profiled receiving element rotated by 180.degree. and can be
connected with the respective plug-in coupling. The user can simply
provide, for example, a standard current supply or an
interruption-proof current supply.
[0025] A structure can have a simple operation if the inserts are
modular housings with cap-like closure pieces which, from one of
the adjoining narrow sides, is placed on their ends which are
remote from each other in the longitudinal direction, and on the
sides of which the snap-in elements are formed of one piece with
resilient snap-in fingers and actuating elements for release.
[0026] An overload release device can be integrated into the
inserts.
[0027] Also, there are advantageous steps for connecting the
electrification arrangement, wherein at least one electric shock
protected current feed-in coupling for the current supply is
arranged in an end section of the profiled receiving element, and a
current feed-in plug matched to the current feed-in coupling and
having a current supply cable connected therewith is provided.
[0028] Further embodiments have the current feed-in coupling
embodied on or in a feed-in module, and a line element for voltage
conversion or adaptation, a current limiting device and/or a
switching element for the sequential activation of individual
inserts is integrated into the feed-in module.
[0029] The electrification arrangement for a rack or a switchgear
cabinet can be designed with a structure as described in this
specification and in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] This invention is explained in view of exemplary embodiments
and the drawings, wherein:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame support with
profiled mounting elements integrated into it, and a vertical
electrification strip;
[0032] FIG. 2 shows an electrification strip mounted corresponding
to FIG. 1 along a vertical profiled mounting element of a
switchgear cabinet frame support behind a door edge, in a
perspective view;
[0033] FIG. 3 shows another frame support of a switchgear cabinet
with an installed door and an electrification strip mounted along a
vertical profiled mounting element, in a perspective plan view from
the rear in contrast to FIG. 2;
[0034] FIG. 4A shows a portion of an electrification strip with an
inserted profiled insulating element and an insert, in a
perspective view;
[0035] FIG. 4B shows a cross section taken through a profiled
receiving element of the electrification strip in FIG. 4A;
[0036] FIG. 4C shows a lower portion of a profiled insulating
element with inserted contact rails, in a perspective plan
view;
[0037] FIG. 4D shows a section of a profiled insulating element
combined from a profiled base insulating part and a profiled top
insulating part, in a perspective view;
[0038] FIGS. 5A and 5B each shows a lower insert element of two
sides rotated by 90.degree. in relation to each other;
[0039] FIG. 5C shows an insert combined from a lower insert element
and an upper insert element, in a perspective view;
[0040] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of an electrification strip,
in a perspective view;
[0041] FIG. 7A shows an exploded perspective view of a further
embodiment of a profiled insulating element and inserts to be
placed therein;
[0042] FIG. 7B shows a portion from a further electrification strip
with the profiled insulating element and the inserts in accordance
with FIG. 7A, in a different exploded perspective plan view;
[0043] FIG. 7C shows an electrification strip as shown in FIG. 7B
in an assembled representation, in a perspective plan view;
[0044] FIGS. 8A and 8B show a portion of a further electrification
strip with an inserted or removed insert, each in a perspective
plan view;
[0045] FIG. 9 shows a portion of the electrification strip in
accordance with FIGS. 8A and 8B in the area of an electrical
current feed-in arrangement in a perspective view; and
[0046] FIG. 10 shows a connecting diagram of an electrification
arrangement, in particular in accordance with FIGS. 8A to 9.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] A frame support 1 made of vertical frame legs 2 and
horizontal frame legs 3 represented in FIG. 1, which can be
complemented, for example by wall elements and one or more door
elements 8 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), into a switchgear cabinet and can
receive devices of information technology, for example, is equipped
in an interior with vertical and horizontal profiled mounting
elements 4, 5, as well as with an electrification strip 60 mounted
along the vertical profiled mounting element 4. For example, the
electrification strip 60 is mounted at the side of the vertical
profiled mounting element 4 by clamps, screws, clips, snap-in or
plug-in elements (not represented). As FIGS. 2 and 3 show, in this
arrangement the electrification strip 60 can be advantageously
covered by a vertical door edge. In this case the electrification
strip 60 has socket-like inserts 7 for the supply with electrical
energy. Further connecting options for inserts 7 are in the upper
portion of the electrification strip 60.
[0048] FIG. 3 shows the electrification strip 60 in FIGS. 1 and 2
from a rear view. Alternatively, the electrification strip 60 can
also be vertically or horizontally attached to a vertical or
horizontal frame leg 2, 3, or one or several profiled mounting
elements, for example in the form of mounting strips 5. The
electrification strip 60 can also be easily applied to the inside
of the door element 8, for example to a provided tubular door
frame.
[0049] Fastening elements, for example longitudinally extending
T-grooves for the insertion of a groove rail or of groove nuts,
patterns of fastening holes, snap-in means, clips or plug-in means,
which for example are embodied in one or several outer sides of the
electrification strip 60, are provided for the attachment of the
electrification strip 60. Advantageously, a U-shaped receptacle
extending along at least one frame leg is formed as one piece with
the receptacle, into which the electrification strip 60 is snapped
with the aid of a snap-in device or snap-in means. In this case,
the snap-in device or means can be longitudinal ribs or grooves
extending on the outside of the electrification strip 60, and a
matched counter snap-in device or means extending in the interior
of the receptacle.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 4A, the electrification strip 60 has an
outer profiled receiving element 6, substantially U-shaped or, as
shown in FIG. 6, substantially C-shaped in cross section, as well
as a profiled insulating element 9 with therein embedded contact
rails 10. With its base 9.3, the profiled insulating element 9
faces the base wall 6.2 of the profiled receiving element 6 and is
composed, as represented in FIG. 4D, of a profiled base insulating
part 9.1, with a profiled top insulating part 9.2 clipped or
snapped onto it. As shown in FIG. 4C, longitudinally extending
chambers are formed in the profiled base insulating part 9.1 by
vertical, longitudinally extending insulating strips, into which
the contact rails 10 are inserted. For making contact, contact
springs 10.1, U-shaped in cross section and with contact slits
extending in the direction of the contact rails 10, are fastened on
the side of the contact rails 10 facing away from the base 9.3 by
laser welding, for example, and can be stabilized by support
projections 10.11 resting on the strips. On the outside of their
free edges, the outer strips of the profiled base insulating part
9.1 have bead-like snap-in edges 9.11 which, in the assembled
state, are covered by the inside of matched facing outer strips of
the profiled top insulating part 9.2 and are kept together by means
of the elastic forces of the strips.
[0051] In the area of the lower edges of the lateral strips of the
profiled top insulating part 9.2 facing the profiled base
insulating part 9.1, respective strip-shaped snap-in springs 9.21
are formed, which are conducted at a distance from the lateral
strips approximately as far as the level of the top of the profiled
top insulating part 9.2, and which have snap-in hooks 9.22 on the
exteriors of their free ends. The profiled receiving element 6 has
snap-in grooves 6.11 as counter snap-in structures, which act
together with the snap-in hooks 9.22 and which are engaged by the
snap-in hooks 9.22 when the profiled insulating element 9 is
completely inserted. The snap-in hooks 9.22 and the snap-in grooves
6.11 have steep snap-in flanks in the direction opposite their
insertion direction, so that the profiled insulating element 9
inserted into the profiled receiving element 6 cannot be removed
without being destroyed. For insertion, the snap-in hooks 9.22 are
provided on their underside with inclined snap-in flanks in the
insertion direction.
[0052] On its top, the profiled top insulating part 9.2 has
rectangular contact openings 9.23, which are spaced apart from each
other in the transverse direction corresponding to the spacing of
the contact rails 10 and are oriented in the direction of the
contact rails 10, and which are engaged by correspondingly flat
contact pins 7.11, rectangular in cross section, which contact the
contact rails 10. The contact openings 9.23 are spaced apart in the
longitudinal direction of the electrification strip 60
corresponding to the contact springs 10.1 and the contact pins 7.11
are arranged on the inserts 7 (see FIGS. 5A to 5C). A coding option
for the inserts 7 results with this arrangement of the contact
openings 9.23 and the contact pins 7.11. For fixing the inserts 7
in place, there are snap-in fingers 7.14 with snap-in protrusions
seated on their lower insert element 7.1, which engage groove-like
counter snap-in elements 6.12 arranged on the inside of the lateral
walls 6.1 of the profiled receiving element 6. The snap-in
protrusions of the snap-in fingers 7.14 have steep snap-in flanks
in the direction opposite their insertion direction, which act
together with correspondingly steep snap-in flanks of the counter
snap-in elements 6.12, so that the inserts 7 are dependably
secured. The inserts 7 can be removed, for example by a special
tool, which acts on lever-like actuating sections 7.13 of the
snap-in fingers 7.14, and are arranged with respect to the snap-in
fingers opposite a pivot axis of the latter. As shown in FIG. 4A,
the hollow space 6.3 of the profiled receiving element is
positioned so that its depth is substantially filled by the
profiled insulating element 9 and the portion of the insert 7
projecting into the hollow space 9.3. The outward oriented portions
of an upper insert element 7.2 rest with their shoulders on
shoulders in the upper edge area of the profiled receiving element
6.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the lower insert element 7.1 has
various elements of a current supply socket, such as a grounding
spring 7.12, plug-in shoes 7.15, and also an overload release
device or bridge elements. The upper insert element 7.2 has plug-in
openings 7.21 corresponding to plugs to be inserted.
[0054] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, two partial
profiled insulating elements 9 with embedded contact rails 10 are
inserted into correspondingly matched receiving sections in lateral
areas of the lateral wall 6.1 of the profiled receiving element 6.
The contact openings 9.23 are embodied as narrow, relatively deep
groove-like slits on the top of the contact rails 10, so that an
appropriate electric shock protection is also thus achieved.
Contact of the contact elements of the correspondingly designed
inserts is provided at the sides and can be provided, for example,
by an insertion process and subsequent rotating process, or by
laterally shifting the contact elements in the inserts 7.
[0055] In the further exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C,
the profiled insulating element 9 is laid out in a U shape, wherein
longitudinally extending snap-in grooves 9.22', which form the
snap-in structure, are formed on the outsides of the U-shaped legs
and which in the snapped-in state are engaged on the inside of the
lateral wall 6.1 of the profiled receiving element 6 by
correspondingly arranged rib-like counter snap-in structures 6.11.
Here, too, steep snap-in flanks are provided in the direction
opposite the insertion direction in order to prevent removal of the
inserted profiled insertion element 9. For fixing the inserts 7 in
place, groove-shaped snap-in elements 7.14' are arranged on the
outsides of the inserts facing the U-shaped legs, and snap-in
protrusions are arranged at the corresponding location of the
facing insides of the U-shaped legs as counter snap-in structures
6.11', wherein this snap-in connection also has steep snap-in
flanks for preventing easy removal of the inserts 7.
[0056] In the longitudinal direction of the electrification strip
60, the inserts 7 are advantageously of a size corresponding to one
unit of height. The inserts can also be designed for making contact
with contact rails 10 used as data lines. For electric current
supply, they are laid out in accordance with the standards as
conventional plug-in units or sockets, for example for plug
connections for non-heating devices. In the exemplary embodiment
shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the contact pins 7.11 are designed as
contact pins with a round cross section, and the contact openings
9.23 are also laid out as round openings.
[0057] Several current supply circuits can be established by the
contact rails 10, for example a standard electrical current supply
can be provided from the top of the frame structure 1, and an
interruption-proof electrical current supply, which can be
activated in case of need, from the bottom. It is also possible to
establish three separate current supply circuits by the three
phases of the a.c. electrical current net, for example with five
contact rails 10, one of which is centrally arranged as the center
ground rail, to each of which an appropriate number of inserts 7 is
assigned, so that too large a load is prevented. In this case the
inserts 7 can be appropriately connected at the factory. It is
possible to produce an appropriately pre-equipped electrification
strip 60 in accordance with customer requirements. Appropriately
equipped electrification strips 60 can also be retrofitted at a
later time.
[0058] The profiled receiving element 6 (electrification strip) in
the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 9 is constructed
with an H-shaped cross section, and has a hollow space 6.3 on a
front of a center wall 6.4 facing the user, and a further hollow
space 6.5 on the back facing away from the user. The inserts 7,
which have several, in the present case six, plug-in openings for
standardized appliance plugs, can be releasably inserted into the
hollow space 6.3, while the connecting lines 16 (see FIG. 10),
which can include simple connecting cables or connecting wires, or
also of contact rails 10, placed in the further hollow space 6.5.
Receiving grooves 6.6 extending in the longitudinal direction, into
which a cover can be slid, are formed in the free edge areas of the
insides of the lateral walls 6.1 bordering the further hollow space
6.5. The cover can first be mounted at a short distance from the
frame leg or the wall surface for mounting on the frame support or
a cabinet wall or door or mounting plate, and the profiled
receiving element 6 with the receiving grooves 6.6 can be pushed or
snapped onto it. The counter snap-in elements 6.12 for snapping in
the inserts 7 are formed on the free end area on inside of the
lateral walls 6.1 bordering the hollow space 6.3 and in the present
case can also have longitudinal grooves.
[0059] The inserts 7 with the internally connected contact elements
7.11, which are accessible in a manner protected against electric
shock through the plug-in openings 7.21, have cube-shaped module
housings, which are closed off at their narrow sides, spaced apart
from each other in the longitudinal direction, by closure pieces
7.3 in the form of front caps at their front. Inserts 7 with
plug-in openings 7.21 of different thread, such as for shock-proof
plugs, plugs for non-heating devices or different country
standards, are provided. Laterally resilient snap-in fingers, each
with snap-in elements 7.14 and manually operable actuating sections
7.13 are formed on the closure pieces 7.3. On their back facing
away from the user, the inserts 7 have at least one plug unit,
which is matched to electrical shock-proof plug-in couplings 11
inserted into cutouts in the center wall 6.4 and can be contacted
with them. Two plug-in couplings 11 per insert 7 or modular housing
are provided, which are connected to different electrical current
supply devices 7.4, 7.5, such as a standard electrical current
supply 7.4 and an interruption-proof electrical current supply
device 7.5, for example, as shown in FIG. 10. The user can simply
select the desired electrical current supply for the respective
insert 7 in that, following the appropriate rotation of the insert
7 by 180.degree., the user brings the plug-in unit of the insert 7
in contact with the plug-in coupling 11 assigned to the appropriate
electrical current supply device 7.4, 7.5.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 9, feed-in couplings 12, which are assigned
to the electrical current supply devices 7.4, 7.5, are arranged on
the front of the center wall 6.4 in the end area of the profiled
receiving elements 6, which are also protected against electrical
shock and can be connected via feed-in plugs 13 with current supply
cables 14 to an electrical current supply. As shown in FIG. 10, the
feed-in couplings 12, inserted into appropriate cutouts in the
center wall 6.4 and connected to the connecting lines 16 at the
back, can be integrated into a feed-in module 15, which can contain
a line element for voltage conversion or adaptation, a current
limiting device and/or a switching element (contactor) for the
sequential activation of individual inserts 7 for protection
against an overload. The feed-in couplings 12, or the electrical
current supply devices 7.4, 7.5 make available several phases of a
three-phase current net, to which the individual inserts 7 are
distributed as shown in FIG. 10, in accordance with which the
insert module P1 is connected to the phase P1, the insert module P2
to the phase P2, the next insert (indicated as P3) to the phase P3
and then the following insert again to the phase P1 and
immediately, for example.
[0061] With the described structure of the electrification
arrangement, the user has a simple device for retroactively
equipping a switchgear cabinet or a rack, for example, with
electrical current, wherein he can insert individual inserts as
electrical current supply modules at suitable locations without
difficulty and dependably.
* * * * *